A two-game losing streak has left the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles looking for answers. With question marks sparked by injuries, a handful of glaring personnel needs, and, of course, the issues amid the offensive schemes and play calling, general manager Howie Roseman has his hands full regarding potential moves as next month's trade deadline approaches.
Edge help – especially after the abrupt retirement of Za’Darius Smith – looms large. Nolan Smith is still sidelined, and the lack of both Smiths no doubt leaves big cleats to fill. A once-fierce Philly pass rush, renowned for always bringing the heat, has turned ice cold in recent weeks.
Perhaps the most pressing need, though, is at cornerback. Opposing wide receivers have been feasting far too often. Adoree' Jackson and Kelee Ringo have both struggled considerably when called upon opposite standout Quinyon Mitchell - most recently on the road against the New York Giants. Meanwhile, new addition Jakorian Bennett looked decent early on but is sidelined by injury.
And with Mitchell pulling up limp due to a hamstring issue suffered early in the loss to New York, the secondary room is alarmingly thin on the outside.
There is a clear cornerback option for the Eagles to look at
One potential call for help could go out to Seattle, where an enigmatic but highly talented cornerback has struggled during his pivotal contract year. In the fourth season of his four-year rookie deal, Riq Woolen has been shuffled in and out of the starting lineup for a stout Seahawks defense, which boasts a deep secondary cast.
After a tantalizing rookie season that saw him snag six interceptions along with three fumble recoveries, the former UTSA wide receiver turned cornerback was tabbed for the Pro Bowl. From a physical intangibles perspective, he’s as good as it gets. Clocking in at 6-foot-4 with elite athleticism and good hands, the sky once seemed the limit for Woolen as he thrived throughout his rookie campaign in the Pacific Northwest.
However, he’s struggled these past few seasons, hampered by bouts of inconsistency, penalties, and lapses in coverage assignments.
Could Fangio and company help turn things around for Woolen in midnight green?
Read more:Nick Sirianni delivers definitive verdict on Kevin Patullo with Eagles' offense
There’s no denying the elite physical traits possessed by Woolen, and a potential power trio of Mitchell, DeJean, and a rejuvenated Woolen at corner could work wonders for this secondary.